Well, I'm a bit of a noob and I've only got one con under my belt... and let's just say my costume sucked! *covers eyes and sighs* I've decided to go as Russia for Anime Mid-Atlantic, and could use a bit of help if there's anyone who wouldn't wind taking a moment and give me some advice and answer a few questions!

First of all, I'm a little confused on his haircolor. I'll be getting a wig, and styling it is no problem, but I can't decide on a color! My friend insists its silver, but I think its more of a blond :| Anyone know where I could get a wig that color?

Second of all, I can't figure out where to order my actual costume. I've looked at a few sites, but i'm new and was a bit worried on how accurate everything was.

Third, I totally need the pipe, can I get some adive on making it?

I know I sound dumb and...noobish... but, I really want this to turn out good! Help would be loved forever! :heart: :D

kittymutt

11-12-2010, 11:05 PM

When I look at his hair color, I think of a light ash blonde. (http://www.google.com/images?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hl=en&source=imghp&biw=1280&bih=844&q=light+ash+blonde+hair&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g6&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=)

I think this wig would work great for Russia , but you will have to do a little styling and cutting with it: X (http://shop.cosplay.com/ccs02-sandy-blonde-medium-bob-wig.html)

This one too, but I am not sure which color: X (http://www.amphigory.com/wigs_roni.html)

As for ordering your costume, I have no idea. Maybe check with the available commissioners in the marketplace.

As for the pipe, I suppose you could try using PVC pipe and then painting it silver. I honestly have not idea, though.

I hope this helps you a little! Besides, you got me beat. I haven't even attended my first convention yet. :)

America La

11-13-2010, 06:54 PM

Here's a hair and eyecolor chart that I found, maybe this will help.
http://www.horror-vacui.net/hetarchive/images/images/himaruya_art/character_refs/boitano_eng.jpg
Also I think Russia's hair is a different color in the Manga than the Anime, so you more of need to pick one, I've seen people do both.
I would think PVC also, but I have no idea.

LOVEUlquiorra<3

11-14-2010, 01:31 AM

I think this wig would work great for Russia , but you will have to do a little styling and cutting with it: X (http://shop.cosplay.com/ccs02-sandy-blonde-medium-bob-wig.html)

Wow! That looks perfect! The price isn't too bad either! And I wouldn't have to style it too much! Thanks a bunch, and I hope you have a lot of fun when you attend your first con! :D

LOVEUlquiorra<3

11-14-2010, 01:33 AM

Here's a hair and eyecolor chart that I found, maybe this will help.
http://www.horror-vacui.net/hetarchive/images/images/himaruya_art/character_refs/boitano_eng.jpg
Also I think Russia's hair is a different color in the Manga than the Anime, so you more of need to pick one, I've seen people do both.
I would think PVC also, but I have no idea.

Thanks! That's pretty cool, the whole chart thingy.

RantingLunatic

11-17-2010, 02:01 AM

Please try to keep it silver. Russia has a *touch* of blonde but is not entirely blonde (that's Belarus). You might be able to modify a keyblade tutorial to make the pipe.

nyachyan

11-18-2010, 05:17 PM

Please try to keep it silver. Russia has a *touch* of blonde but is not entirely blonde (that's Belarus). You might be able to modify a keyblade tutorial to make the pipe.

I disagree.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2cqzifs.jpg
((using image made for similar argument lol OTL))

Russia's hair is not blonde blonde, like England or Belarus. But his hair can be classified as blonde.
What LOVE needs to consider is that her wig choice needs to incorporate the grey/silver hue or she will automatically make him too blonde. I think ash-blonde is close, but there are wigs out there that combine silver and blonde very well. Plus LOVE's skin tone will be a giant factor--Russia is deathly pale, and that makes the color in his hair stand out more, thus the combination will look so much better if LOVE gets the right wig AND makes sure s/he wears pale make up when s/he cosplay's Russia.

For example, I purchased this "Milk Tea" color wig for my FemRussia cosplay and was quite happy with it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250721153294
But I also make sure to pale my skin tone with foundation and powder.

However, LOVE, do stick with the main point RantingLunatic is trying to make--do not get an overly blonde wig. If it's too hard to find something that fits--then take their advice and fall back to silver.

Another thing--I'm instantly opposed to the idea of ordering a Russia costume from ebay or another online seller because it 1) is never tailored to you properly and 2) is rarely ever the right length. I've seen cocktail dress length jackets for Russia at conventions and that's a tell tale sign it was ordered online. Consider making it yourself out of found objects if you can't sew well or go to a local tailor who can measure you and have you come in for fittings, ect. Having it made by a tailor also allows you to pick out a heavier, more uniform accurate fabric.

Ends Beginning

11-19-2010, 09:29 AM

For my Russia cosplay I have this wig-
http://www.fm-anime.com/aph-axis-powers-hetalia-ivan-braginski-cosplay-wig-p-1038.html
It is a mix of various blondes and plays well with light. It is also a very comfortable wig and looks like real hair. When I've taken it off at cons people were shocked that it was in fact a wig and not my real (shoulder length dark brown hair).

For my costume I took my friends Russia jacket that he was going to throw away because it was to short and big on him. It was the right length on me. I resized it with the help of my mom and now it fits me perfectly. I picked pink fleece to make my scarf since I like the pink better then the tan/off white color. It is a 12 foot long scarf and is just about the same length as my jacket.

My pipe is in fact made of PVC. I have commissioned the same pipe for a few people and they love it. If you are interested I can commission one for you and it would cost about $35 plus shipping.

-Nayami-

11-22-2010, 12:34 PM

The "Sandy Blonde" in the cosplay.com premium wigs is just about perfect for Russia. My friend ordered the wig for her costume (the medium length bob that kittymutt linked), and it's great. It needed a lot of trimming, but it wasn't a hard cut to do, which is nice.

LOVEUlquiorra<3

11-22-2010, 03:47 PM

Plus LOVE's skin tone will be a giant factor--Russia is deathly pale, and that makes the color in his hair stand out more, thus the combination will look so much better if LOVE gets the right wig AND makes sure s/he wears pale make up when s/he cosplay's Russia.
Another thing--I'm instantly opposed to the idea of ordering a Russia costume from ebay or another online seller because it 1) is never tailored to you properly and 2) is rarely ever the right length. I've seen cocktail dress length jackets for Russia at conventions and that's a tell tale sign it was ordered online. Consider making it yourself out of found objects if you can't sew well or go to a local tailor who can measure you and have you come in for fittings, ect. Having it made by a tailor also allows you to pick out a heavier, more uniform accurate fabric.

Yeah, I'll be doing something special with my makeup :) I'm working hard on this. I've found the boots and wig, and I'll be making the rest myself XD Thanks for the help!

LOVEUlquiorra<3

11-22-2010, 03:50 PM

The "Sandy Blonde" in the cosplay.com premium wigs is just about perfect for Russia. My friend ordered the wig for her costume (the medium length bob that kittymutt linked), and it's great. It needed a lot of trimming, but it wasn't a hard cut to do, which is nice.

Yeah! Thats the wig I'll be ordering! :D

Banane

12-08-2010, 11:20 PM

I would personally recommend checking the cosplay.com marketplace for anything good before buying something expensive. I've found some GREAT things for very cheap there (like my Austria costume and wig, featured in my avatar). Definitely shop around multiple places before you buy something, as saving money is important with an expensive hobby like cosplay. :)

Ineedaname9

12-23-2010, 09:20 PM

I got my own Russia Cosplay on Milano. It worked out pretty well, and if you keep checking you can find a great deal. Mine was $60+free shipping, but that was a one day sale. It's accurate but you need to renforce some of the buttons and such.

As for the wig, I was concidering the same wig your getting but uh for me shipping is such a pain. (Hawaii is a state, why can't I have a lower shipping price?) I hope that turns out alright for you.

Malgorbia

01-06-2011, 05:30 AM

I see many people telling you to pale your skin, I agree with this however watch out and not make it ghost pale. (I will tell you normally I am half black and probably around Seychelles skin tone or darker and I managed to get a nice pale white look without being well terrible.)